Assistant Principal David Dustin is stepping up as the next leader of the Jaffrey-Rindge Middle School and Conant High School.
Dustin has been with the district for 10 years, teaching social studies at Conant High School for eight years before being promoted to a role as the assistant principal of curriculum, instruction and assessment in 2018, according to a statement released by the district Tuesday.
In his time with the district, he’s also been the president of the Jaffrey-Rindge Education Association, the director of Conant High School’s Drama Club, and been a member of the district’s inquiry team.
The Jaffrey-Rindge Cooperative School Board voted unanimously to approve Dustin for the position during its meeting Monday. He is expected to take up the position on July 1, directly following the last day of current Principal Brett Blanchard, who submitted his resignation to take a position as principal at Bellows Free Academy in St. Albans, Vermont.
“I have enjoyed and appreciated the 10 years I have served the school and district as a teacher and administrator, and through this experience, I have seen first hand the dedication of our staff and the great work they do with our learners each and every day,” Dustin said in a statement released by the district Tuesday.
In the same statement, Superintendent Reuben Duncan said Dustin’s continuity with the district makes him the best choice for the district.
“We’ve been working diligently over the past several years as a district to implement educational practices and thinking that will propel this district forward for the betterment of our learners and our community,” Duncan said. “David has been there every step of the way. He is the right person to lead the school in the next phase of its journey to develop a system that will inspire, engage, and empower all learners to thrive in their lives and communities.
The School Board spoke in support of their choice during Monday’s meeting. They, too, said his experience with the district and familiarity with its vision was a selling point.
“I think that David has been around from the beginning of our strategic design and vision process – it’s internal for him,” board member Marcea Gustafson-Belletete said during . “I think his learning curve in getting to know us and the community and what we’re about – that’s already there. That’s a lot of ground that’s already covered. That will put us ahead of the game.”
Dustin wrote that he’s excited to step into this new role and continue to work with Jaffrey and Rindge.
“I have also enjoyed the opportunity to work with an incredible student body that is unlike any other in its positive energy and dedication to the school, and with a community that remains committed to learning and finding the pathways for each individual’s success. In short, I am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to lead our schools as principal,” Dustin said.
Dustin holds a Bachelor’s Degree in social studies/secondary education from Champlain College in Vermont and a Master’s Degree in educational leadership from Keene State College.